The Old Bridge of Wood makes for a handy halfway-ish point between Andy's base in backroads Boyton and mine in Hipswich. Huge number of caffs there. Helps henormously that Woodbridge, according to Rightmove, is "the happiest place to live in Great Britain", beating Richmond-upon-Thames (winner in 2023) to second and Hexham (winner in 2021) to third. Except that was 2024 and, well, things change. Most recent survey in 2025 had wannabe Woodbridge down to 5th behind Harrogate (4th), Camden (3rd), Richmond-upon-Thames (2nd again) and Skipton (winner in 2025). Ipswich's national rank? 87. That compares to the fine city of Norwich (49) and the jewel that is Bury St Edmunds (107, ahem).

Recently I've been doing a lot of bike-on-train journeys. Resisted the urge this time and instead sweatily cycled up and down Sandy Lane one Thursday lunchtime to meet Andy at Longfields, newest incarnation of the caff on Kingston Fields. Third time's a charm, they say, us having visited previously in both 2020 and way back in 2007. Must mention and give full praise to their drinks cabinet. Yes, there are the usual Cokes and Fruit Shoots, but also beverages from:

• Hip Pop -- "fizzy pop that's refreshingly real"
• Fentimans -- "botanically brewed, exquisitely crafted"
• Folkington's -- "authentic juices and mixers"
• Breckland Orchard -- "we make fabulous soft drinks which make people smile"
• San Pellegrino -- "Italian sparkling drinks"
• Pip Organic -- "making it easier for parents to say "yes""

Exactly 2pm when we joined the small queue only to be told, "Sorry, mate, we've just sold the last lunch". Oopsies: no paninis or sandwiches or jackets for us. Our good fortune, however, that they had a pair of prime sausage rolls remaining, and doubly delicious they were too with a bag of Brown Bag crisps on the side. All helped by finding an outside table within the pavilion's shade. My can of Hip Pop ginger and turmeric added more than a little zest.

Sweet treats were found in the form of ice creams at the reliable Riverside kiosk. Ride home or take the train? Neither since Andy 'andily offered to put my bike in his VW boot for the return TrIpswich. Him to physio, me to the nearest Lidl to cool down in their chilled section.

• Instagram -- Longfields Cafe

If it was a car -- Morgan Plus Four from Longfield Motor Co, North Weald.
If they were passing by -- Francis Pryor.